BHP 047: Jason Redman | Overcome and Lead Always

Jason Redman is a retired Navy SEAL, and the author of one of my favorite books, The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader.

The book is an incredible study in leadership and accountability, but also tells Jason’s gripping story of surviving a firefight in which he was shot 7 time by an enemy machine gun, including one that entered his face, shattered his jaw, and exited through his nose.

Fast forward a few dozen surgeries, the founding of his clothing company, Wounded Wear, the publishing of his book, and Jay is still leading – by writing, speaking, and helping other wounded veterans through his Overcome Academy.

I’ve had the great pleasure to connect with Jay recently and a few weeks ago we sat down in his home in Virginia Beach to record this conversation about Jay’s two favorite topics: overcoming and leading always.

This episode is laced with gems on self-deception, the ego, leadership, parenting, overcoming adversity and much more. I know you’ll enjoy this one. Let me know your biggest takeaways from Jay.

Show Notes

Self deception is a dangerous road to go down. Fully owning your mistakes is the only path to moving forward.

Others won’t follow you as a leader unless they see you can lead yourself.

Effective leadership is built on experience and credibility.

No leader ever feels satisfied with the knowledge they hold. This is the shadow/burden of leaders

Jason’s advice to those who put success over the needs of their family: “from a guy who laid there dying, you don’t think about any of that other stuff. You think about your family.”

Parenting and leadership advice: Know when to bite your tongue. Getting it right vs. being right

Pace yourself through life. Keep some energy in the tank to be prepared for what Jay calls a “life ambush.” A moment that alters the trajectory of your life.

Will you be ready?

Write your mission statement. Use it to drive your actions. If you died today would people talk about you doing the things on your mission statement?

The Pentagon of Performance:

Physical Leadership

Mental Leadership

Emotional Leadership

Social Leadership

Spiritual Leadership

Lead Always and Overcome all

Leadership

Lead yourself

Lead others

Lead always

Overcome Mindset

Don’t quit

Don’t mentally quit

Push yourself into discomfort. Without that experience, when you become uncomfortable, you’re less prepared to overcome obstacles.

Don’t be a sore loser. Give your all, at all times, and there’s nothing to be sore about.

Train for the unexpected/ the next worse is always worse than the last